Keyplate system for an input device

ABSTRACT

An input device including a housing and a depressible key plate disposed thereon. The key plate includes a front user-accessible portion, a pivot support portion, and a rear portion. A shaft is disposed in the pivot support portion, where the key plate rotates with respect to the shaft. A force sensor is disposed in the housing and in contact with a bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, and activates in response to receiving a predetermined force by the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate. The depressible key plate depresses in response to receiving a predetermined depression force on the top surface. A biasing mechanism is disposed in the housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate to provide an upward force tuned to be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/145,186, filed May 3,2016, titled, “KEYPLATE SYSTEM FOR AN INPUT DEVICE,” which is anon-provisional application and claims the benefit and priority of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/289,894, filed on Feb. 1, 2016, titled“KEY PLATE SYSTEM FOR AN INPUT DEVICE,” which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Input devices are ubiquitous in modern culture and are typically used toconvert analog inputs (e.g., touches, clicks, motions, touch gestures,button presses, scroll wheel rotations, etc.) into digital signals forcomputer processing. An input device can include any device used toprovide data and control signals to a computing system. Somenon-limiting examples of input devices include computer mice, keyboards,remote controls, gaming controllers, joysticks, trackballs, and thelike. Some non-limiting examples of computing systems include desktops,laptops, tablets and “phablet” computers, smart phones, personal digitalassistants (PDA), wearable devices (e.g., smart watches), and the like.

Some input devices are designed to conform to the general needs of thepopulation for a basic, low-cost, functional design. However, basicfunctionality may not provide enough for more discerning users. Those inthe computer gaming community typically expect very high precision inputdevices to meet their expectations for functions, features, andergonomics. Thus, there is a need for higher precision input deviceswith functions that maintain consistency, reliability, and precisionover extended periods of use.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the invention include an input device (e.g.,computer mouse) with at least one high precision button (e.g., keyplate) that exhibits consistent and reliable performance characteristicsover tens of thousands of hours of use or more. Some embodiments utilizea key plate that is rotatably coupled to a hinge for a highly durable,low-friction operation with excellent dimensional stability. A frontportion of the key plate can be coupled to a switch (e.g., actuator,force sensor, etc.) that, when activated, generates a control signal(e.g., button click). In some embodiments, the total force required toactivate the switch includes a force required to depress the key plateplus an amount of force required to depress the switch. A biasingmechanism (e.g., spring) can be used to provide a force on a backportion of the key plate and may be tuned to match or substantiallymatch (e.g., within 10%, 5%, 2%, 1%, etc.) the force required to depressthe key plate on the switch. Thus, the force required to depress the keyplate can be effectively eliminated leaving only the force required toactivate (e.g., depress) the switch. This structural arrangement canprovide exceptional consistency, accuracy, and stability in buttonactivation over long term use.

In certain embodiments, an input device includes a housing and adepressible key plate disposed on the housing. The key plate can includea front user-accessible portion including a top surface to receive auser force normal to the top surface and a bottom surface, a pivotsupport portion, and a rear portion including a bottom surface. A shaftcan be disposed in the pivot support portion, where the key platerotates with respect to the shaft. In some cases, the shaft can be ametal shaft and the key plate may be hingeably coupled to the key plate.A force sensor can be disposed in the housing and in contact with thebottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, where the forcesensor can activate in response to receiving a predetermined force bythe bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate. The inputdevice can further include a biasing mechanism disposed in the housingand in contact with the bottom surface of the rear portion of the keyplate to provide an upward force to the bottom surface of the rearportion of the key plate, which may translate to a downwards force onthe force sensor. In some implementations, the force provided by thebiasing mechanism may be the same or substantially the same (e.g.,within 5 g-10 g) as the force required to depress the key plate. In someembodiments, the biasing mechanism can be a spring or other device usedto store mechanical energy.

The depressible key plate can be configured to be depressed in responseto receiving at least a predetermined depression force on the topsurface, and where the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism issubstantially equal to the predetermined depression force. In somecases, the predetermined depression force can be between 5 g to 25 g offorce, and may be 20 g of force in exemplary embodiments. The forcesensor can be coupled (e.g., attached) to the housing and may be anactuator. The predetermined force to activate the force sensor can bebetween 50 g to 70 g of force, and may be 60 g of force in certainexemplary embodiments. The pivot support portion can be comprised of apolyoxymethylene (POM) material. POM can improve the operating life ofkey plate systems because POM wears less than other easy to moldplastics that are found on most conventional input devices (e.g., keystructures).

In alternative embodiments, the biasing mechanism can be tunable toprovide a range of upward forces on the bottom surface of the rearportion of the key plate. Some embodiments may include a user-accessiblecontrol to change the upward force provided by the tunable biasingmechanism. The input device can include a processor to control the forcesensor. The force sensor, when activated, can generate an activationsignal, where the processor generates a control signal based on theactivation signal to control a computing device (e.g., desktop, laptop,or tablet computer) coupled to the input device.

In certain embodiments, a computer mouse includes a chassis and a keyplate disposed in the chassis. The key plate can include a front portionwith a top surface and a bottom surface, a pivot support portion, and arear portion including a bottom surface. The computer mouse can includea pivot support plate attached to the chassis, the pivot support plateincluding a shaft to couple to the pivot support portion, where the keyplate rotates with respect to the shaft. A switch can be attached to thechassis to activate in response to receiving a predetermined activationforce provided by the bottom surface of the front portion of the keyplate. A biasing mechanism can be disposed in the housing and in contactwith the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate to providean upward force to the bottom surface of the rear portion of the keyplate. In some cases, the key plate depresses in response to receivingat least a predetermined depression force substantially normal to thetop surface. The upward force provided by the biasing mechanism can besubstantially equal to the predetermined depression force.

In certain implementations, the switch can be directly or indirectlyattached to the chassis. The shaft can be a metal shaft for improvedstrength, durability, and reduced friction. The predetermined activationforce to activate the switch can be 60 g of force, or other suitableactivation threshold value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinaryskill in the art. The pivot support plate can include a shaft supportthat houses the shaft, and the pivot support portion can be comprised ofa polyoxymethylene (POM) material. In some embodiments, the biasingmechanism can be tunable to change the upward force provided by thebiasing mechanism on the bottom surface of the rear portion of the keyplate, and the computer mouse can include a user-accessible control totune the upward force provided by the biasing mechanism.

In some embodiments, an input device includes a chassis, a depressiblekey plate disposed in the chassis, the key plate including a frontportion and a rear portion, where the depressible key plate is depressedin response to receiving a predetermined pressing force on the frontportion of the key plate, a biasing mechanism disposed in the chassisand coupled to the rear portion of the key plate to provide arestoration force to the key plate that is substantially equal to thepredetermined pressing force, and a switch attached to the chassis togenerate a control signal in response to receiving a predeterminedactivation force by the front portion of the key plate when the frontportion of the key plate is depressed. The key plate can include acenter portion, where the chassis includes a metal shaft that passesthrough the center portion such that the key plate is rotatably coupledto the metal shaft. In some cases, the center portion may be comprisedof a polyoxymethylene (POM) material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a computer system, according tocertain embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a system configured to operatean input device, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an input device, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates a key plate system disposed in housing of inputdevice, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 4B illustrates a key plate system in an isolated and enlarged view,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a key plate system with external forces applied,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a tuning mechanism to tune a preloading biasingmechanism in a key plate system, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a close up view of the interface between a bottomsurface of a front portion of a key plate system and a force sensor,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates a close up view of an interface between a bottomsurface of a front portion of a key plate system and a force sensor,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a key module system, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a key module system, according to certainembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of this invention are generally directed to input devices.More specifically, systems and devices relate to an improved key platesystem for an input device.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousexamples and details are set forth in order to provide an understandingof embodiments of the present invention. It will be evident, however, toone skilled in the art that certain embodiments can be practiced withoutsome of these details, or can be practiced with modifications orequivalents thereof.

Certain embodiments of the invention include an input device (e.g.,computer mouse) with at least one high precision button (e.g., keyplate)that exhibits consistent and reliable performance characteristics overtens of thousands of hours of use or more. Some embodiments utilize akey plate that is rotatably coupled to a metal hinge for a highlydurable, low-friction operation with excellent dimensional stability. Afront portion of the key plate can be coupled to a switch (e.g.,actuator, force sensor, etc.) that, when activated, generates a controlsignal (e.g., button click). The total force required to activate theswitch can include a force required to depress the key plate plus theamount of force required to depress the switch. A biasing mechanism(e.g., a spring) can be used to provide a force on a back portion of thekey plate and may be tuned to match or substantially match (e.g., within10%, 5%, 2%, 1%, etc.) the force required to depress the key plate onthe switch. Thus, the force required to depress the key plate may beeffectively eliminated leaving only the force required to activate(e.g., depress) the switch. This structural arrangement can provideexceptional consistency, accuracy, and stability in button activationover long term use.

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a computer system 100, according tocertain embodiments. Computer system 100 includes computer 110, monitor120, keyboard 130, and input device 140. In some embodiments, inputdevice 140 can be a computer mouse, a remote control device, a gamecontroller (e.g., game pad, joystick, game controller, etc.), a mobiledevice, or any other suitable device that can be used to convert analoginput signals into digital signals for computer processing. For computersystem 100, input device 140 can be configured to control variousaspects of computer 110 and monitor 120.

Computer 110 can be any suitable computing device including, but notlimited to, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet or “phablet”computer, a smart phone, a PDA, a wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches), or the like. In some embodiments, input device 140 can beconfigured to provide control signals for movement tracking (e.g., x-ymovement on a planar surface, three-dimensional “in-air” movements,etc.), touch/gesture detection, lift detection, orientation detection,power management methods, input detection (buttons, scroll wheels,etc.), output functions (LED control, haptic feedback, etc.), and a hostof additional features that would be appreciated by one of ordinaryskill in the art. Computer 110 may include a machine readable medium(not shown) that is configured to store computer code, such as mousedriver software, where the computer code is executable by a processor(not shown) of computer 110 to affect control of computer 110 by inputdevice 140 and keyboard 130. The various embodiments described hereingenerally refer to input device 140 as a computer mouse or similar inputdevice, however it should be understood that input device 140 can be anysuitable input/output (I/O) device (e.g., user interface device, controldevice, input unit, or the like).

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a system 200 configured tooperate input device 140, according to certain embodiments. System 200includes processor(s) 210, input detection block 220, movement trackingblock 230, power management block 240, and communication block 250. Eachof system blocks 220-250 can be in electrical communication withprocessor 210. System 200 may further include additional systems thatare not shown or discussed to prevent obfuscation of the novel featuresdescribed herein.

In certain embodiments, processor 210 comprises one or moremicroprocessors (μCs) and can be configured to control the operation ofsystem 200. Alternatively, processor 210 may include one or moremicrocontrollers (MCUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or the like,with supporting hardware and/or firmware (e.g., memory, programmableI/Os, etc.), as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in theart. Alternatively, MCUs, μCs, DSPs, and the like, may be configured inother system blocks of system 200. For example, communications block 250may include a local processor to control communication with a computer110 (e.g., via Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, RF, IR, hardwire, Zigbee,Logitech Unifying, or other communication protocol). In someembodiments, multiple processors may provide an increased performance insystem 200 (e.g., speed and bandwidth). It should be noted that althoughmultiple processors may improve system performance, they are notrequired for standard operation of the embodiments described herein.

Input detection block 220 can control the detection of button activation(e.g., main buttons, side buttons, etc.), scroll wheel manipulation,sliders, switches, touch sensors (e.g., one and/or two-dimensional touchpads), and the like. In some embodiments, input detection block 220 (orprocessor 210) can detect the activation of force sensor 450 when keyplate 310 is depressed with a sufficient force (see below with respectto FIGS. 3 and 4) and generate a subsequent control signal to control acomputing device (e.g., computer 110) coupled to the input device (e.g.,a detecting a “left click” on a computer mouse button and generating acorresponding control signal). Alternatively, the functions of inputdetection block 220 can be subsumed by processor 210, or in combinationtherewith.

In some embodiments, input detection block 220 can be configured todetect a touch or touch gesture on one or more touch sensitive surfaceson input device 140. Input detection system 220 can include one or moretouch sensitive surfaces or touch sensors. Touch sensors generallycomprise sensing elements suitable to detect a signal such as directcontact, electromagnetic or electrostatic fields, or a beam ofelectromagnetic radiation. Touch sensors can typically be configured todetect changes in a received signal, the presence of a signal, or theabsence of a signal. A touch sensor may include a source for emittingthe detected signal, or the signal may be generated by a secondarysource. Touch sensors may be configured to detect the presence of anobject at a distance from a reference zone or point (e.g., <5 mm),contact with a reference zone or point, or a combination thereof.Certain embodiments of input device 140 may not utilize touch detectionor touch sensing capabilities.

Input detection block 220 can include touch and/or proximity sensingcapabilities. Some examples of the types of touch/proximity sensors thatmay be used include, but are not limited to, resistive sensors (e.g.,standard air-gap 4-wire based, based on carbon loaded plastics whichhave different electrical characteristics depending on the pressure(FSR), interpolated FSR, etc.), capacitive sensors (e.g., surfacecapacitance, self-capacitance, mutual capacitance, etc.), opticalsensors (e.g., infrared light barriers matrix, laser based diode coupledwith photo-detectors that could measure the time of flight of the lightpath, etc.), acoustic sensors (e.g., piezo-buzzer coupled with somemicrophones to detect the modification of the wave propagation patternrelated to touch points, etc.), or the like.

Movement tracking block 230 can be configured to track a movement ofinput device 140. Movement tracking block 230 can use optical sensorssuch as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or an imaging array of photodiodesto detect a movement of input device 140 relative to an underlyingsurface. Input device 140 may optionally include movement trackinghardware that utilizes coherent (laser) light. In certain embodiments,one or more optical sensors are disposed on the bottom side of inputdevice 140 (not shown). Movement tracking block 230 can providepositional data (e.g., X-Y coordinate data) or lift detection data. Forexample, an optical sensor can detect when a user lifts input device 140off of a work surface and can send that data to processor 210 forfurther processing.

In certain embodiments, accelerometers can be used for movementdetection. Accelerometers can be electromechanical devices (e.g.,micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices) configured to measureacceleration forces (e.g., static and dynamic forces). One or moreaccelerometers can be used to detect three dimensional (3D) positioning.For example, 3D tracking can utilize a three-axis accelerometer or twotwo-axis accelerometers (e.g., in a “3D air mouse.” Accelerometers canfurther determine if input device 140 has been lifted off of a surfaceand provide movement data that may include the velocity, physicalorientation, and acceleration of input device 140. In some embodiments,gyroscope(s) can be used in lieu of or in conjunction withaccelerometer(s) to determine movement or input device orientation.

Power management block 240 can be configured to manage powerdistribution, recharging, power efficiency, and the like, for inputdevice 140. In some embodiments, power management block 240 can includea battery (not shown), a USB based recharging system for the battery(not shown), power management devices (e.g., low-dropout voltageregulators—not shown), and a power grid within system 200 to providepower to each subsystem (e.g., communications block 250, etc.). Incertain embodiments, the functions provided by power management system240 may be incorporated into processor 210. Alternatively, someembodiments may not include a dedicated power management block. Forexample, functional aspects of power management block 240 may besubsumed by another block (e.g., processor 210) or in combinationtherewith.

Communications block 250 can be configured to provide communicationcapabilities with computer 110, or other devices and/or peripherals,according to certain embodiments. Communications block 250 can beconfigured to provide wireless connectivity (e.g., radio-frequency (RF),Bluetooth, BLE, infra-red, Zigbee, Logitech Unifying, or the like) tocomputer 110 or other wireless devices. System 200 may include ahardwired connection to computer 110 (e.g., USB, FireWire, etc.). Forexample, input device 140 can be configured to receive a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) cable to enable bi-directional electronic communicationwith computer 110 or other external devices. Some embodiments mayutilize different types of cables or connection protocol standards toestablish hardwired communication with other entities.

Although certain systems may not expressly discussed, they should beconsidered as part of system 200, as would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art. For example, system 200 may include a bussystem to transfer power and/or data to and from the different systemstherein. In some embodiments, system 200 may include a storage subsystem(not shown). A storage subsystem can store one or more software programsto be executed by processors (e.g., in processor 210). It should beunderstood that “software” can refer to sequences of instructions that,when executed by processing unit(s) (e.g., processors, processingdevices, etc.), cause system 200 to perform certain operations ofsoftware programs. The instructions can be stored as firmware residingin read only memory (ROM) and/or applications stored in media storagethat can be read into memory for processing by processing devices.Software can be implemented as a single program or a collection ofseparate programs and can be stored in non-volatile storage and copiedin whole or in-part to volatile working memory during program execution.From a storage subsystem, processing devices can retrieve programinstructions to execute in order to execute various operations (e.g.,spring auto-calibration, etc.) as described herein.

It should be appreciated that system 200 is meant to be illustrative andthat many variations and modifications are possible, as would beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. System 200 can includeother functions or capabilities that are not specifically described here(e.g., mobile phone, global positioning system (GPS), power management,one or more cameras, various connection ports for connecting externaldevices or accessories, etc.). While system 200 is described withreference to particular blocks (e.g., input detection block 220), it isto be understood that these blocks are defined for understanding certainembodiments of the invention and is not intended to imply thatembodiments are limited to a particular physical arrangement ofcomponent parts. The individual blocks need not correspond to physicallydistinct components. Blocks can be configured to perform variousoperations, e.g., by programming a processor or providing appropriateprocesses, and various blocks might or might not be reconfigurabledepending on how the initial configuration is obtained. Embodiments ofthe present invention can be realized in a variety of apparatusesincluding electronic devices implemented using any combination ofcircuitry and software. Furthermore, aspects and/or portions of system200 may be combined with or operated by other sub-systems as required bydesign. For example, power management 240 may operate within processor210 instead of functioning as a separate entity.

FIG. 3 illustrates an input device 300, according to certainembodiments. Input device 300 includes key plate 310 (i.e., leftbutton), key plate 320 (i.e., right button), scroll wheel 330, andhousing 340. Housing 340 can be the main body of the device that the keyplates 310, 320, scroll wheel 330, LEDs (not shown), PCB(s) (not shown)may be directly or indirectly attached to. A housing can be a chassis orframe. Keyplates 310, 320 can include a user accessible portion and aninaccessible portion embedded in the housing, and may be rotatablycoupled to housing 340 via a shaft, as further discussed below withrespect to FIG. 4. Input device 300 may include any number of additionalinput features (e.g., buttons, touch pads, switches, pressure plates,touch sensors, microphones, etc.) or output features (e.g., LEDs, hapticfeedback systems, speakers, etc.) as would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art. .

FIG. 4A illustrates a key plate system 400 disposed in housing 340 ofinput device 300, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 4B shows keyplate system 400 in a separated and enlarged view (i.e., removed fromhousing 340 for easier viewing). Key plate system 400 can include afront portion 420, a center portion 430, and a rear portion 440. Frontportion 420 can include a top surface 422 and a bottom surface 424. Insome embodiments, a user accessible portion of top surface 422 of frontportion 420 is shown, at least in part, in key plate 310 of FIG. 3.Front portion 420 can be positioned to be user-accessible anddepressible, for example, to receive a user force generally normal totop surface 422. For instance, some embodiments of key plate system 400can be a left or right main button on a computer mouse to receive abutton actuation force by a user's thumb or finger. Although key platesystem 400 is shown and described as part of a computer mouse, key platesystem 400 can be applied to any type of input device, as would beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. It should be understoodthat describing a force that is normal to top surface 422 of key platesystem 400 does not necessarily indicate that other forces are not alsopresent. For instance, a user force may be applied at an acute anglerelative to the normal of top surface 422. However, a component of thatparticular force will be experienced by top surface 422. In particular,a portion of a user force can be normal to top surface 422.

Aspects of key plate system 400 (e.g. front portion 420, rear portion340) can be comprised of plastic (e.g., ABS), composite, carbon fiber,or other sturdy material with flexible properties. Front portion 420 isshown having a long, curved top surface 422 and varied topology onbottom surface 424, however front portion 420 can be of any suitableshape, size (e.g., length, width), contour, or configuration (e.g.,position with respect to center portion 430 and rear portion 440) withany suitable surface features as needed by design. Front portion 420 isshown resting on a switch 450 and specifically on actuator 455. Frontportion 420 may be depressed in response to a receiving a predetermineddepression force, such as a “button click” force, by a user. Thepredetermined depression force can be approximately 5 g-25 g of force,and in exemplary embodiments, 20 g of force.

Center portion 430 can include a pivot support portion 465 to house arotatable shaft 460, such that key plate system 400 can rotate withrespect to shaft 460. Shaft 460 can be comprised of a metal (e.g.,steel, aluminum, alloys, etc.) or other suitable material (e.g., Tefloncoated materials, carbon fibers, etc.) that provide improved rigidity,strength, low friction, and durability as compared to plastics or otherconventional materials when disposed in pivot support portion 465. Insome embodiments, shaft 460 can be rotatably coupled to key plate system400 and rotatably or fixedly coupled to housing 340. Shaft 460 may beconfigured to rotate, like an axel, as key plate system 400 flexes andrecovers, or shaft 460 may be fixed, with key plate system 400 rotatingwith respect to shaft 460. Shaft 460 may be coupled to housing 340 via abase structure 470 that can secure shaft 460 in place on pivot supportportion 465. Alternatively, housing 340 may include structural featuresto secure shaft 460 to housing 340 (i.e., performing the function ofbase structure 470). In some embodiments, pivot support portion 465 canbe comprised of a polyoxymethylene (POM) material. Pivot support portion465 may be comprised of any suitable material like POM that exhibits,e.g., excellent molding and/or wearing properties. Some alternativematerials may include urethane-dimethacrylate, high-densitypolyethylene, polyethylene with copolymers, or the like.

Rear portion 440 can include a top and bottom surface. A biasingmechanism 480 (e.g., a spring) can be disposed in housing 340 and indirect or indirect contact with the bottom surface of rear portion 440to provide an upward force to the bottom surface of rear portion 440.Biasing mechanism 480 can be coupled to housing 340. Some embodimentsmay include multiple biasing mechanisms 480. In some embodiments,although key plate system 400 can be rotatably coupled to switch 460,there may be no actual rotation as the upward force provided by biasingmechanism 480 on back portion 440 causes front portion 420 to directlycontact force sensor 450. In such cases, a downward force (e.g., userclick force) on front portion 420 indirectly causes force sensor toactivate 450 with minimal rotation of key plate system 400, if any. Insome cases, front portion 420 flexes in response to the downward force,while the remaining portions (center portion 430 and rear portion 440)remain stationary or substantially stationary with little movement(e.g., less than 1 mm of travel).

A force sensor 450 can be disposed in housing 340 and adjacent to bottomsurface 424 of front portion 420. In some embodiments, force sensor 450is in contact with bottom surface of front portion 420 and activates inresponse to receiving a predetermined force (threshold force). Thepredetermined force can be received from bottom surface 424 of frontportion 420 as the result of a force applied to top surface 422 ofuser-accessible front portion 420. For instance, when a user presses thekey plate, e.g., in a “left click” or “right click” on a computer mouse,as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Force sensor450 can be any suitable force sensing device (e.g., switches, forcesensing resistors, pressure plates, etc.). In some embodiments, atypical force sensor can be a micro switch 20M life. Alternatively,pressure sensors can be used to allow for a 50-70 gf range. FIG. 4 showsforce sensor 450 with activation switch 455 to receive the force frombottom surface 424 of front portion 420. In any configuration (e.g.,with or without an activation switch), a force sensor can be configuredto be activated in response to receiving a predetermined (threshold oractivation) force. The predetermined force (“activation force”) may beany suitable range. In some embodiments, the predetermined activationforce can be anywhere from 50 g-70 g (exemplary embodiments can be 60g), although other ranges are possible.

Force sensor 450 can be controlled by a processor (e.g., processor 210)and may generate an activation signal in response to receiving a forceat least equal to the predetermined activation force. The controllingprocessor can generate a control signal based on the activation signalto control an aspect of a corresponding computing device, as furtherdiscussed above at least with respect to FIG. 2. For instance, theprocessor can generate a “left click” control signal indicating a leftbutton press on a computer mouse where the control signal controls acursor or function on a display device.

In some implementations, force sensor 450 can be directly coupled (e.g.,attached) or indirectly coupled (e.g., attached through intermediatestructure) to housing 430. This can reduce system tolerances in theoverall key plate system 400, as further discussed below.

FIG. 5 illustrates a key plate system 400 with external forces applied,according to certain embodiments. A user's finger 505 is shown applyinga downward force 550 to top surface 422 of front portion 420 of keyplate system 400. Force 550 can be transferred through front portion 420to force sensor 450. Biasing mechanism 480 can provide a preloadingupwards force 520 on the bottom surface of rear portion 440 causing keyplate system 400 to rotate 520 with respect to shaft 460, such thatbottom surface 424 contacts force sensor 450 when key plate system 400is at rest (e.g., when no external user forces are being applied). Frontportion 420 can flex or bend during operation (movement 510) and mayintroduce resistances that may require additional forces to be overcome,which can be referred to as a predetermined depression force. In someembodiments, biasing mechanism 480 is tuned (e.g., at manufacturing oruser-controlled) to match the predetermined depression force such thatthe only remaining force required to activate force sensor 450 is onlyor substantially only its own predetermined (threshold) activation force(e.g., 50-70 g of force). In some embodiments, the predetermineddepression force can typically be 5-25 g of force.

Key plate systems may include a number of moving parts, flexiblematerials, and other features that introduce tolerances into key platesystem 400 that can contribute to the predetermined depression force.During manufacturing, biasing mechanism 480 can be tuned to match thepredetermined depression force, which may include any number ofresistive forces beyond just those introduced by front portion 420, aswould be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 6 illustrates a tuning mechanism to tune a preloading biasingmechanism in key plate system 400, according to certain embodiments.Tuning mechanism 610 can be a user-accessible control to control theamount of upwards force provided by biasing mechanism 480. Tuningmechanism 610 can be a screw, knob, software-controlled device (e.g.,servo), or other suitable user-accessible control that can allow a userto adjust the compression of biasing mechanism 480, thereby affectingthe resulting upward force. In some configurations, tuning mechanism 610can be adjusted to match the predetermined depression force required bykey plate system 400 to overcome certain inherent tolerances, asdiscussed above, leaving only the predetermined activation force toactivate force sensor 450. In some embodiments, a tuning mechanism maynot be included (e.g., the biasing mechanism may be adjusted duringmanufacturing and inaccessible by a user after assembly).

In some embodiments, a user may adjust biasing mechanism 480 such thatthe upward force is greater than the predetermined depression force. Forinstance, a force sensor may have a predetermined activation force of 60g. Some users may prefer a more sensitive button activation setting. Assuch, tuning mechanism 610 can be adjusted to overcome both thepredetermined depression force of front portion 410 and, e.g., 20 g offorce from force sensor 450 to effectively create a new predeterminedactivation force of 40 g. Both positive and negative offsets arepossible, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 7A illustrates a close up view 700 of the interface between bottomsurface 424 of front portion 420 and force sensor 450, according tocertain embodiments. Front portion 420 and force sensor 450 may be incontact with one another such that no space exists between them, makingfor a “contactless click” when the button (key plate) is clicked(activated), according to certain embodiments. Alternatively, there maybe a small space (e.g., <1 mm) if biasing mechanism 480 is tuned belowthe predetermined depression force (see FIG. 6). In further embodiments,there may be an intervening structure between front portion 420 andforce sensor 450, such as a spacer (not shown). However, such structuresmay typically be directly coupled (i.e. attached) to both the frontportion 420 and force sensor 450 to ensure an efficient transfer offorce between the two.

FIG. 7B illustrates a close up view 750 of an interface between bottomsurface 424 of front portion 420 and force sensor 450, according tocertain embodiments. Front portion 420 can be attached to force sensor450 by adhesive, ultra-sonic welding, or other suitable material orbonding process. Attaching front portion 420 to force sensor 450 mayeliminate the need for a pre-loading biasing mechanism with respect topromoting an efficient transfer of force from user to force sensor.Because the key plate and force sensor are in physical contact, theremay be an efficient transfer of force between the two structures.However, such embodiments may not be tunable (or have limited tuning) toaccommodate inherent tolerances in the key plate system, as discussedabove.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show key module system 800, according to certainembodiments. Key module system 800 of FIG. 8 includes an actuatorassembly (e.g., switch) and key module system 800 of FIG. 9 is shownwithout the actuator assembly. Key module systems may be coupled (e.g.,attached) to an internal chassis (e.g., housing, base) by a couplingmechanism including, but not limited to, hardware (e.g., screws, tabs,bolts, etc.) adhesive (e.g., glue), or a combination thereof. Key modulesystem 800 may include two screws 810, 820, that couple key modulesystem 800 to the chassis, which secures key module system 800 to theinput device (e.g., computer mouse) itself. Some embodiments may includemore screws or fewer screws (e.g., 1 screw, as shown in key plate system400 of FIG. 4). Key plate system 800 can further include an anti-key popout mechanism 830, such as a screw or other hardware, to prevent keyplate system 800 from popping off, misaligning, etc., when the inputdevice is dropped (e.g., at least 90 cm or more). FIG. 9 shows the useof several different materials (e.g., POM, metal, etc.) that may provideimproved performance over conventional materials (e.g., plastic). Forinstance, an actuator pad may be used by the keyplate assembly tocontact a corresponding actuator. A POM actuator pad 840 may survivethousands of more contacts with its actuator before end-of-lifewear-and-tear sets in as compared to plastic. One of ordinary skill inthe art with the benefit of this disclosure would recognize the manymodifications, variations, and alternatives that are possible when usingPOM for the various components of system 800 (or any system described inthis disclosure).

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made thereuntowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure asset forth in the claims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus,while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modificationsand alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereofare shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit thedisclosure to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructionsand equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure,as defined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in thecontext of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both thesingular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearlycontradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,”and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning“including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term“connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within,attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening.The phrase “based on” should be understood to be open-ended, and notlimiting in any way, and is intended to be interpreted or otherwise readas “based at least in part on,” where appropriate. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein.

Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the disclosure to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisdisclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An input device comprising: a chassis; a key plate coupled to the chassis, the key plate including: a front portion; a rear portion; and a center portion disposed between the front portion and the rear portion, wherein the key plate is configured to pivot at the center portion in response to the front portion of the key plate receiving a pressing force; a biasing mechanism disposed in the chassis and coupled to the rear portion of the key plate, the biasing mechanism configured to provide a restoration force to the key plate that induces the key plate to assist or resist pivoting of the keyplate in response to the front portion of the key plate receiving the pressing force; and an actuator coupled to the chassis, the actuator configured to generate a control signal in response to receiving a threshold activation force from the front portion of the key plate when the front portion of the key plate receives the pressing force.
 22. The input device of claim 21 further comprising: a shaft coupled to the chassis, wherein the shaft passes through the center portion such that the key plate is rotatably coupled to the shaft that enables the key plate to pivot at the center portion.
 23. The input device of claim 22 wherein the shaft is comprised of metal.
 24. The input device of claim 22 further comprising: a pivot support plate that includes a shaft support that houses the shaft.
 25. The input device of claim 24 wherein the pivot support portion is comprised of a polyoxymethylene (POM) material.
 26. The input device of claim 21 wherein the biasing mechanism is tunable to change the restoration force provided by the biasing mechanism on the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate.
 27. The input device of claim 26 further including a user-accessible control operable to tune the restoration force provided by the biasing mechanism.
 28. The input device of claim 21 wherein the actuator is or includes a force sensor.
 29. The input device of claim 21 wherein the threshold activation force to activate the actuator sensor is between 50 g to 70 g of force.
 30. The input device of claim 21 wherein the input device is a computer mouse. 